Prepsol - is it bad??

[jugheaddave]

Hi Guys

 

I have been using prepsol to clean my bike with for the last few months, and find it fantastic.

 

I spray it all over my bike, then rinse off after about 2 minutes. I then spray more on my chain and cassette, then leave for maybe 10 minutes then rise off, obviously avoiding all seal were possiable. Also I don't use a strong stream of water, just a trickle, with my thumb over the end.

 

Now my question is: I have heard numerous slanders against this product, like "prepsol will eat your seal"

 

I don't understand how a degrease like this can "eat seals" I

understand that if you spray it with enough intent, and it penetrates a

bearing, it will de-greaser the bearing,  but I am not sure it can "eat

seal" ie melt rubber??

 

What are your guys views on washing a bike in this manner, and using prepsol as a de-greaser/bike wash??

Am I maybe miss inderstanding the way in wich this produt should be used??

 

 

 

[Johan Bornman]

Rubbish rumours.

Prepsol is soap - same as the stuff you wash dishes with, except it doesn't have a lemon flavour.

It does ABSOLUTELY nothing to rubber and you're safe washing your bike with the stuff.

In the past I have requested a spec sheet for Prepsol and I still have it. The product contains no hydrocarbons either.

 

The only thing I know that definitely eats seals are those white bears.

 

 

[porky]

I dont know, I pretty much use Prepsol as well for everything from cleaning my lawnmower to washing my bike.

 

I personally cant see Prepsol doing any damage whatsoever, this is a very well respected product in industry, I see it used on hydraulic pumps and seals, engines and motors in my business daily, never an issue - actually, I do think I read a post here once where Mr Bornman actually recommended it as a good degreaser.

 

I may be wrong, my memory is not as good as it used to be, maybe Mr Bornman will confirm or suggest otherwise, but if he thinks its fine I would suggest thats a good enough opinion, I have to be honest, I have come to respect his knowledge over the past year or so.

 

[Geoff]

I use Prepsol on EVERYTHING......MTB,KTM....all gear/kit without any problem! It's not "eating" rubber,fading plastics or mess up my riding gear...been at it for over 2 years...and I dont EVER dilute it!

 

[oclv110]

I use it for everything as well. Buy it in 25l from Autoserv. Have been using it for the last 5 years on all my bikes and cars.

[Cassie]

Hmmm, interesting indeed!  I've also heard the same arguement...yet I use Kleen Green and I'm sure the same theory applies.

 

"eating seals" - this sounds unlikely....and what seals are we talking about? i.e where are they situated? Only place i know of is arounf fork?

 

Prepsol, being biodegardable...I do not think is that corrosive.

 

As lonmg as you do not spray it directly into the bearings, i think you'll be OK.

Alos, most bearing are designed to keep moisture & dust etc. out ...so chances are that your degreaser will not penetrate easily into these cavities.

 

 

[KDEE]

Have been using Prepsol for years with no real adverse effect.

 

For serious grease and gunk ( moorcycle chain, etc ), I have found it is not a serious degreaser, but its a really good cleaner.

 

Have used it on carpets, car seats, motorcycles, bikes etc.

 

What i have found is that it will dull paint. and when i say that it would seem that it is really effective at stripping the polish from paint. I washed a non metallic car with prepsol once...... and lets just say that I spent hours repolishing it.

 

I find that it tends to dull cheaper painted parts and shiny alu over time..

 

All of this my own experience, lest someone tells me I an idiot and it doesnt do it

[Musashi]

I also use the stuff and no problems here.  Yes, it will degrease your bearings, but not eat away at rubber/paint/plastic.

 

Oh yes, and I use a small paint brush and old tooth brush, not a spray bottle.  I found this works better to clean the casette and chain.

Musashi2009-07-01 00:37:15

[jugheaddave]

So I guess if you do not spray it enough to penetrate seals, then it should be ok?

[duringd]

Where does one buy this "wonder" cleaner?

[jugheaddave]

I usually get mine from midas, it comes in a round white plastic bottle with red writing.

[cyclingfan]

Yes please tell!!

[Slowbee]

but does it dull the paint?

 

 

[zeepee]

I been soaking my KTMs in the stuff for years, and have never had a problem. Even spray my boots and kit with the stuff. You can use a highpressure washer just dont direct that onto your bearings, that will mess them up much more than prepsol.

Just as a matter of interest, what do you guys pay for your prepsol?

[Roders]

 

The only thing I know that definitely eats seals are those white bears.

 

 

 

 Love the humour

[jugheaddave]

i think mine is R85 / 5l